AHIC Review Course 6: Group Decision-making Processes

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on group decision-making processes, techniques, and considerations.

What is the Delphi technique primarily used for?

Forecasting and projecting trends; predicting future states (e.g., finance or production); used for major changes; non-face-to-face; relies on expert input.

What are the defining characteristics of the Delphi technique?

Experts with relevant information participate; group does not meet face to face; questionnaires are sent; responses are summarized with feedback; process repeats until a satisfactory decision is reached.

Delphi technique: what are its advantages?

Ego issues are avoided (responses are anonymous); efficient use of expert time; avoids interpersonal problems; allows time for reflection; useful for geographically dispersed respondents; reduces scheduling/expense of meetings.

Delphi technique: what are its disadvantages?

Time-consuming; not ideal for speedy decisions; responses may be unsatisfactory; lacks rich, creative options that face-to-face sessions can generate.

What is the Nominal Group Technique designed to guarantee?

Equal input from all members; structured process; independent idea generation followed by sharing and voting.

Nominal Group Technique: steps in order.

Members independently write solutions on index cards; share ideas in a roundtable; ask clarifying questions; individuals select the best solution and vote by secret ballot; group decision announced.

Nominal Group Technique: advantages.

All members participate equally; no one dominates; time is managed; each member’s expertise is used; reduces ego and interpersonal conflicts; level playing field.

Nominal Group Technique: disadvantages.

May be perceived as rigid; some participants prefer interaction; may not engage the group as a whole; limited cross-fertilization of ideas.

What is the Brainstorming technique used for?

To generate a large number of ideas quickly, encourage creativity, allow building on others' ideas, discourage criticism, and foster urgency; commonly used in business/government/military; typically about 8 participants.

Brainstorming: advantages.

Encourages group involvement and enthusiasm; broader participation; helps the group stay focused on the task; fosters belonging; no criticism of ideas; encourages unconventional thinking; team effort.

Brainstorming: disadvantages.

Some may be hesitant; facilitator cannot control all comments and may kill creativity; some members may dominate.

What is a Decision Tree?

A graphic model of future choices showing sequential outcomes; square = decision node; circle = chance node; triangle = end point; helps visualize results and quantify decisions.

Decision Tree: advantages.

Assists visualization of potential results; identifies risks/outcomes for each alternative; helps select the option with greatest expected value.

Decision Tree: disadvantages.

Can be complex in practice; even a few branches can create a “bush”; assigning probabilities can be difficult and subjective.

What is Consensus Mapping?

A collaborative approach where multiple subgroups work on components of a complex problem; strawman map created with Post-It notes; maps are revised; final map produced by a consolidation team; emphasis on interrelationships, sequencing, and structure.

Consensus Mapping: how the strawman map is used?

Subgroups generate parts of the map, place ideas on Post-It notes, and assemble a draft map on large sheets; interconnections are shown with ribbons; the map evolves during discussion and reconfiguration.

What is Fishbowl technique?

A central speaker sits in the inner circle with an outer circle of observers; inner participants answer questions and discuss; a facilitator manages time; after experts speak, the whole group discusses and reaches a consensus.

Didactic Interaction technique: when to use?

Best for yes/no decisions that affect the whole group; split into Yes and No groups to list pros and cons; then switch sides to identify weaknesses; applicable only when a yes/no outcome exists.

Knowledge Check: which technique was used in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy study?

Delphi technique (non-face-to-face, expert input, iterative revisions).

What factors guide the choice of a group decision-making process?

Type of decision (yes/no vs creative options); decision-makers (facilitator, experts, leaders, committees, or large group); whether decisions are face-to-face or virtual; cost and speed considerations.

What are common organizational structures used for group decisions?

Standing committees, executive committees, advisory committees, and ad hoc committees.

What is the role of the group leader/chair in group decision-making?

Critical to effectiveness; may be called leader, chairman, chair, or chairperson; chairing context matters; must value group personality and provide clear criteria and goals.

What is the primary purpose of this lecture?

To understand common group decision-making processes, discuss techniques, and determine the best process for different types of group decisions and organizations.